In an increasingly polarized America, what's to come?

Americans have become increasingly divided -- both politically and ideologically -- over the last two decades, according to a recent report from the Pew Research Center. The percent of Americans who report consistently conservative or consistently liberal positions has doubled in the past decade.

It's not just political ideas that are dividing Americans. It's where to live, who to associate with, and how much to value ethnic and religious diversity in the community, reports The Washington Post.

The Pew report shows that divisions are greatest among those who are most involved in politics, and partisan animosity has escalated over the years.

The overall share of Americans who express consistently conservative or consistently liberal opinions has doubled over the past two decades from 10% to 21%. ... Partisan animosity has increased substantially over the same period. In each party, the share with a highly negative view of the opposing party has more than doubled since 1994. Most of these intense partisans believe the opposing party's policies "are so misguided that they threaten the nation's well-being."

The Daily Circuit chats with political science junkies to ask how it is we got to such a polarized state, and where we can expect to go from here.